Comparisons between Therapies (Part 1)

As we all know, there are many forms of therapies out there that many of us might RAVE about or constantly be going for. For some strange reasons, we end up also getting addicted or enjoy the post effects of that certain therapy. Needless to say there are intersects between therapies and there are large divides between others. It really depends on what really works for you or what your goals are. In these current day and age, there are so many therapies you could almost get lost in this maze of chaos be unable to decide what is really needed and what is basically just for relaxation.

We will talk about a few of these therapies today followed by a few others tomorrow!

Sports Massage

The purpose of Sports Massage is to alleviate stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissue due to physical activity. Where there are minor injuries or lesions due to over-exertions and/or over-use. Sports Massage is able to break them down easily. This treatment is not just for sports person but anyone can benefit from Sports Massage, including physically demanding jobs or emotional and postural stress related. Sports Massage tends to be deeper and more intense.

There are 3 areas where Sports Massage can benefit athletes. First, a maintenance massage treatment using Sports Massage and concentrating on particular muscle groups can help athletes maintain and improve range of motion and muscle flexibility. Second, event massage during pre-event can help as a supplementation for warming up muscles, enhance circulation and reduce excess muscle tension or stress before competition and for post-event it will be focused more on reducing muscle spasms and metabolic build up that occurs after intensive exercise. These will help to enhance the body’s own recovery process improving the athlete’s ability to return to training and competition. Third, rehabilitation massage can help during muscle cramp, tear, bruise and aches. Soft tissue techniques are effective in the management of both acute and chronic injuries.

Deep Tissue Massage

The purpose of Deep Tissue Massage is a type of massage concentrated on deep layers of the muscle and fascia (a band or sheet of connective tissue, primarily collagen, beneath the skin that attaches, stabilizes, encloses, and separates muscles and other internal organs) in the body. By using deep finger/elbow pressure with slow firm strokes to treat a variety of ailment.

There are 5 areas that Deep Tissue Massage can help. First, it reduces chronic pain as it increases the flow of blood through the body and it helps reduce inflammation that would cause pain. It helps alleviate muscle tension that is often a side effect of chronic pain which can help in loosening up tight clusters of tissues. Second, it also helps in reduction of blood pressure according to studies done. It also has shown increase of the body’s production of serotonin, the hormones that promotes happiness and good feelings. Third, it can break up and eventually rid of scar tissue in the body. It does this by improving lymphatic circulation and drainage which helps to improve flexibility and range of motion in the affected area. Scar tissue is also often associated with stiffness and ongoing pain occurrence, it is also recommended for people after Post Surgery. Fourth, it is effective for injured muscles as it facilitates movement of toxins from the muscles and helped stretch tight or twisted muscle bundles. these will help with the healing process. Five, for those suffering chronic stress, there are possible side effects like tension headaches, rigid shoulders and tight muscles. Deep tissue can target specific areas to promote an increase in blood flow which then soothes and reliefs.

There you have it! Understand what you need and pick wisely, not everything works for you!